Just Baseball’s Aram Leighton reported that the Atlanta Braves have added some depth to their infield by signing José Devers to a minor-league contract. While the move may not be a headline-grabber, it signals Atlanta’s intent to reinforce its roster after navigating a 2024 season filled with challenges in the infield.
Devers, who is set to turn 25, is no stranger to the baseball world. The younger cousin of Boston Red Sox star Rafael Devers, José has had a journey that’s seen highs as a top prospect and lows with injuries and struggles at the plate. His professional career began with promise, becoming part of the Miami Marlins’ return package from the New York Yankees in the blockbuster Giancarlo Stanton trade in 2017. However, his development has been inconsistent.
In Miami, Devers’ big-league opportunities were limited. Across 50 major league plate appearances, he hit just .244 with a .611 OPS and posted a disappointing -0.2 WAR. Injuries have also played a significant role in slowing his trajectory. After missing much of 2022 due to a shoulder injury, Devers spent the entire 2023 season in Double-A, followed by a 2024 campaign in Triple-A, where he posted a .244 average with a .676 OPS in 54 games. While his minor league stats—.261 average and .686 OPS across his career—suggest some potential, but his lack of power and consistency remain question marks.
For the Braves, Devers’ versatility is a key draw. Capable of playing second base, shortstop, and third base, he offers flexibility at a time when Atlanta’s infield depth is uncertain. Injuries to key players like Ozzie Albies and Austin Riley in 2024 forced the team to seek out temporary fixes in veterans like Whit Merrifield and Gio Urshela, none of whom are under contract for 2025. Devers provides insurance and could benefit from a fresh start in a new organization.
While it’s unclear if Devers will be a legitimate contender for an MLB roster spot in Spring Training, his contract likely includes an invitation to camp. For now, his signing gives the Braves a low-risk option to bolster their depth chart. If Devers can stay healthy and regain some of his early-career promise, Atlanta could benefit from a player hungry to prove himself on a competitive roster.
